Which place is cheaper, Kauai or Duck Key?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Duck Key or Kauai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Duck Key and Kauai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Duck Key or Kauai?
Duck Key
If you are thirsty for the taste of tropical splendor, Duck Key, Florida will surely quench your desires. Located in Monroe County, Florida, right beside its neighbor Conch Key, Duck Key stands. The community is chock full of everyone's favorite seaside activities, including fishing, jetskiing, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Though a quaint town, Duck Key attracts tourists from all over due to its quiet beaches and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to meet and greet with the dolphins or simply lie upon the sandy white beaches as the fire orange sun sets before you, Duck Key is truly a sweet and small subtropical diversion.
Kauai
Hawaii is certainly a bucket list destination, but what if you want to do it without being surrounded by tourists? You want the adventure of the land of volcanoes and less of the kids in water wings. Then Kaua'i is the island for you.
Kaua'i, or the "garden island," is full of tropical forests, little villages and even more laid back lifestyle – if you can imagine. It's a smaller island at 560 square miles with a population of only 68,000.
With more coastline miles than any other island, Kaua'i is the result of massive erosion forming awe-inspiring sights like the Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coast. The island experiences more rainfall every year – keeping it lush and green all year.
You'll feel like you've walked into another world in Kaua'i. Because of height restrictions, this island's buildings are no taller than the coconut trees. So if you're looking for an escape from civilization, you'll want to head straight for Kaua'i.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDuck Key $143Kauai $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Duck Key is $143, while the average daily cost in Kauai is $190. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Duck Key and Kauai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDuck Key $56Kauai $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDuck Key $112Kauai $226
Compare Hotels in Duck Key and Kauai
Looking for a hotel in Duck Key or Kauai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kauai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Duck Key $69Kauai $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kauai
Also for Kauai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kauai Hotels to Kauai International Airport: $13
- Private SUV Transfer - Lihue Airport to South Shore Kauai Resorts Koloa Poipu: $179
- Private SUV Transfer - Kauai Cruise Ship terminal : $199
- Private Departure Transfer to Kauai Airport (LIH): $80
- Lihue Airport: Shared Transfer to Lihue: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Duck Key or Kauai?
Prices for flights to both Kauai and Duck Key change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDuck Key $45Kauai $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kauai
For Kauai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Allerton Garden and Estate Tour with Sunset Dinner: $106
- Ahi Uila Fire Show and Dinner: $110
- Local Tastes Small Group Food Tour: $121
- Explore Waimea Town on a Walking Food Tour: $129
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Buffet Dinner and Show: $171
- Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting: $209
- Napali Coast Sunset Sail with Dinner: $226
- Napali Sunset Dinner Cruise: $226
- Luau Kalamaku on Kauai with Manor House Dinner & Show: $226
- VIP 4-Course Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show: $237
- Leila Na Pali Sunset Dinner Sail: $242
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Duck Key $30Kauai $17
Tours and Activities in Kauai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kauai.
- 'IMILOA - Express Na Pali Sunset Tour: $161
- 'IMILOA - Express Nā Pali Snorkel Tour : $181
- 'IMILOA - Express Whale Watch Cocktail Tour: $136
- 1 Tank Discover Scuba at Koloa Landing with No Experience needed: $162
- 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure in Kauai: $115
- 5 Hrs. Kauai Eastside Small Group Tour. Short & sweet: $162
- 5 Line Zipline Tour: $130
- 8 Line Zipline Tour: $160
- Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai – Wailua River Cruise & Fern Grotto: $99
- Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Kauai Movie Sites Tour: $173
- Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour on the Lucky Lady: $223
- Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDuck Key $7.99Kauai $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Duck Key and Kauai, we can see that Kauai is more expensive. And not only is Duck Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Duck Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Duck Key and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kauai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kauai than you might in Duck Key.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Duck Key Expensive? and Is Kauai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Duck Key or Kauai?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Duck Key or Kauai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Duck Key and Kauai. Also, most visitors come to Kauai for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Duck Key is a little warmer than Kauai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Duck Key in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Kauai averages at about 78°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kauai this time of the year. In Duck Key, it's very sunny this time of the year. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during summer. Duck Key gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Duck Key usually receives more rain than Kauai. Duck Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 0.6 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDuck Key 84°F (29°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Kauai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Duck Key as well as Kauai. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kauai because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Duck Key is generally around the same temperature as Kauai. Daily temperatures in Duck Key average around 80°F (27°C), and Kauai fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kauai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Duck Key this time of the year. In the autumn, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Duck Key gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 208 hours of full sun.
Duck Key receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Duck Key usually gets more rain in October than Kauai. Duck Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDuck Key 80°F (27°C)Kauai 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Kauai in the Winter?
Both Kauai and Duck Key are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kauai this time of year.
Duck Key is around the same temperature as Kauai in the winter. The daily temperature in Duck Key averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Kauai fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Duck Key. Duck Key usually receives more sunshine than Kauai during winter. Duck Key gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Kauai receives 174 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Duck Key usually receives less rain than Kauai. Duck Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDuck Key 70°F (21°C)Kauai 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Duck Key or Kauai in the Spring?
Both Kauai and Duck Key during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kauai for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Duck Key is around the same temperature as Kauai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Duck Key in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Kauai averages at about 73°F (23°C).
In Kauai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Duck Key. In the spring, Duck Key often gets more sunshine than Kauai. Duck Key gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kauai receives 206 hours of full sun.
Duck Key usually gets less rain in April than Kauai. Duck Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Kauai receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDuck Key 77°F (25°C)Kauai 73°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Kauai and Duck Key
| Duck Key | Kauai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Feb | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 1.3 inches (32 mm) |
| Mar | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Apr | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| May | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 0.4 inches (10 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Jul | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 0.6 inches (17 mm) |
| Aug | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 0.6 inches (16 mm) |
| Sep | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1 inches (26 mm) |
| Oct | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Nov | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Dec | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 2.5 inches (62 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.